Board Holds First In-Person Meeting

The Board of Directors of Friends of Healing Springs Natural Area, Inc. held its first in-person meeting on August 10, 2026. All five inaugural board members were present: John Rogers, Jesse Johnson, Jordan Kunkel, Suzie Tylock, and Leonard Ogden.

The conversation was about getting the organization on solid footing — and then getting to work. The Board reaffirmed the organization’s formation documents, noted its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, and discussed financial controls so that, whenever practicable, two people are involved in expenditures. It also talked through startup expenses and the need to keep good records as operations begin.

A central theme was partnership. The Board wants productive working relationships with the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission (ANHC) and the Healing Springs Property Owners Association (POA), with roles clearly defined and early activities coordinated with existing conservation efforts at Healing Springs Natural Area.

On the ground, the Board talked about trail stewardship, tracking volunteer hours as in-kind contributions, and planning a fall trail maintenance and cleanup day. It also discussed the upcoming erosion control project at Little Osage Creek, educational outreach (including Best Management Practices information and possible signage), and community hikes when cooler weather arrives. You don’t have to stay all day when those opportunities come up — an hour of help still matters.

The Board reviewed preliminary grant research and approved the concept of a community giving program, to be launched after banking arrangements are complete. The next board meeting is expected in early November 2026.

The full public meeting summary — including priorities, financial practices, and the complete list of discussion topics — is posted under Transparency & Governance.